A project of the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance

Taking place August 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., the Columbia Basin Culture Tour allows you to explore artists’ studios, museums, art galleries and heritage sites during this free, self-guided event.

Travel to studios and archives in the West Kootenay that aren’t normally open, see demonstrations, new exhibitions and collections or meet people behind the scenes. Venues are implementing COVID-19 protocols as per provincial guidelines. To participate in the tour, simply grab a map, your Culture Tour Directory and go!

Cross the ferry to Harrop to visit Molly’s Landing. Brenda Pirie will be sharing her whimsical felted animals and brooches as well as her stained glass windows, hand painted boxes and hand drawn cards. Also in Harrop is another annual favourite Chez Chasch Pottery Studio where visitors will see a range of pottery, sculptures and an outdoor gallery.

Over to Procter, where Michele Dupas with Dupas Designs, Terry Huva, Grant Palfenier and Jan Kozlowski will all be at the Procter Schoolhouse sharing their work. Michele is known for her hand-built sculptural and decorative clay works. Terry Huva is a mixed media painter who will be showing colorful, abstracted impressions of these times in the Kootenays. Grant has a collection of eclectic multimedia art appealing to the whimsey and charm of the onlooker. Jan Kozlowski with be sharing her Photography and portraits.

In Balfour, visit Kathleen Luchtan who is sharing her magical paintings and wood carvings.

We are also excited to have the Balfour & District Business & Historical Association as a brand new venue on the tour this year. The Balfour Chapel is the newest acquisition and they will be offering tours of the old chapel and what is planned for its use.

Also in Balfour is mixed media artist Heather Hutchinson, who is participating for her seventh year! She takes her inspiration from the landscape surrounding her, poetry, and music. In Queens Bay we have Diane Trudel who will share her acrylic paintings on canvas.

Also Reven’s Eye Textile Art and Design (Cedar Offerman) who will be showing her handmade medieval gowns, and some live music. Also in Queens Bay is Evelyn Posgate showing her assemblage art using vintage objects and some collage using found objects.

Take the ferry across Kootenay Lake to visit the Gray Creek Store and meet author Tom Lymbery signing copies of his two books, which feature B.C. history from 1911 to 1980, covering the fruit growing era, transportation from sternwheelers to highways, and operating a 103-year-old family-owned general store.

In Kaslo, Megan Hyslop will be performing her inner clowning and will have an interactive venue for all to enjoy.

Creston has one ‘not to miss’ venue on the Culture Tour this year! Visit the Yaqan Nuki Peoples Heritage Society where visitors can experience indigenous culture, exhibition and demonstrations.

These are just a few of the fabulous venues on the 2021 Columbia Basin Culture Tour.

Tour brochures are available at tourist information centres and participating venues.

Visit the website at www.cbculturetour.com to view full artist/venue profiles for further details on each location’s activities or register to receive a tour brochure in the mail. For further information, call the CKCA at 1-250-505-5505 or toll free at 1-877-505-7355.

The Columbia Basin Culture Tour is generously supported by Columbia Basin Trust funding.

Lead image: Evelyn Posgate – Rocket Baby. Venue #34 on the Columbia Basin Culture Tour, August 7 & 8. Photo submitted

Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance

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